Hellraiser: Bloodline is a 1996 horror/sci-fi movie that delves into the origins of the titular puzzle box, which serves as a portal to Hell, and the demonic beings known as Cenobites that it unleashes. The movie is directed by Kevin Yagher (and Joe Chappelle) and written by Peter Atkins, who had been involved in previous entries in the Hellraiser franchise.
The movie starts in the 22nd century on a space station where a scientist named Dr. Paul Merchant (played by Bruce Ramsay) is trying to create a new version of the puzzle box that his ancestor, Phillip L'Merchant, had designed in the 18th century. Phillip L'Merchant (also played by Bruce Ramsay), was a French toymaker who had built the puzzle box based on the designs he saw in a vision of Hell. However, he soon regretted his actions when he realized what the box was capable of.
The movie has a nonlinear narrative, jumping back and forth between the 22nd century and various points in the past, including the 18th century and World War I. The past segments focus on how the puzzle box came to be and how it affected the descendants of the L'Merchant family. These segments introduce characters like Angelique, who was Phillip L'Merchant's mistress and was transformed into a Cenobite, as well as the World War I soldier Jacques, who becomes embroiled in a battle with the Cenobites.
In the present day, Dr. Merchant's attempts to create a new puzzle box attract the attention of Pinhead (played by Doug Bradley), the leader of the Cenobites, who is eager to claim his latest victims. Dr. Merchant's wife and daughter inadvertently open a portal to Hell with the new puzzle box, leading to a final showdown with the Cenobites.
Hellraiser: Bloodline was not well-received upon its release, with many critics feeling that it was overly convoluted and failed to live up to the previous entries in the franchise. However, it has gained something of a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating the movie's attempt to add more backstory to the Hellraiser universe.